The former Abbotshall Parish Church minister lost his wife Barbara (58) to meningitis almost a decade ago and told The Press this week, it's vital Fifers are aware of the signs.

He said: "I experienced the worst case scenario. It only took about three and a half hours from when Barbara was taken to hospital until she died.

``When it gets to that extreme stage sometimes a rash appears but Barbara only got that in the last half an hour in the Victoria hospital and at that point nothing could be done. It came out of the blue."

After he lost his wife, Bryan was helped by charity Meningitis UK and also arranged various fundraising events to raise cash for the worthy cause.

"Meningitis UK say everyone should be aware of the symptoms and shouldn't hesitate to contact doctor or NHS 24 and I think that's very important.

"Barbara's symptoms looked like the normal onset of flu. I had gone round to the doctor's surgery in the morning to ask if someone could call in. The doctor arrived a couple of hours later.

"Barbara had no history of any trouble and did aerobics and swam. She was as fit as a fiddle. The doctor said we had to get her to the Victoria hospital.

``When the paramedics arrived it was about 10 to four and it was sometime after seven when she died. Most people think meningitis just affects little ones and children but it can happen to adults.

"My family are in the medical profession and some of my congregation at the time were as well and they helped explain but it's still devastating when the very worst happens."

In a recent survey commissioned by Meningitis UK, it was revealed nearly seven out of ten adults are unaware there is no vaccine to protect against Meningitis B.

It was also revealed 38 per cent of parents mistakenly believe their children had been vaccinated against all forms of meningitis - despite there being no vaccine against Meningitis B.

78 per cent of people initially questioned agreed research into developing vaccines against meningitis should be given a higher priority, which increased to 86 per cent when they were told there is currently no vaccine against Meningitis B.

Meningitis UK distributes a wide range of awareness materials. In preparation for the number of meningitis cases which peak in February, the charity is offering the public free symptoms information packs, containing a 'Check the Symptoms' fridge magnet and wallet-sized symptoms card.

To order a free symptoms information pack, call 0117 373 73 73 or visit www.meningitisUK.org.

Fight goes on to find cure and increase awareness

FOUR cases of meningococcal infections were recorded last year in the Kingdom.

Figures released by the Information and Statistics Division, National Services Scotland, reveal in total there were 142 cases throughout Scotland during 2007.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the lining that covers the brain and spinal cord. The infection can be caused by viruses or bacteria.

Viral meningitis is more common and much less dangerous. It can make you feel very unwell and treatment is usually rest and painkillers.

Bacterial meningitis can be life threatening and needs urgent medical attention. Meningitis can kill in under four hours, and is a notoriously difficult disease to diagnose, as in the early stages, symptoms can appear flu-like. Not everyone gets all the signs and they can occur in any order.

Meningococcal septicaemia occurs when poisons caused by the meningococcal bacteria enter the blood stream. The bacteria is spread from person to person through very close contact, i.e. kissing and sneezing. Early identification plus prompt medical treatment can mean the difference between life and death.

Charity Meningitis UK has the single focus of finding a vaccine to eradicate meningitis and great advances have been made in the last 20 years.

A spokesman said: "Our biggest remaining challenge is to develop a vaccine to protect against Meningitis Group B - the one type of meningitis in the UK for which there is currently no vaccine and accounts for almost 90 per cent of all cases and can kill in under four hours.

"Our scientists believe, with enough support, a vaccine against Meningitis Group B can be developed within the next seven to ten years, which is why we have launched the Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign.

"The aim of the campaign is to raise £7 million over the next seven years to ensure our scientists can continue their potentially life saving research until a vaccine is found.

"In the absence of a vaccine, we also distribute a wide range of material to raise awareness of the common symptoms and the need to act quickly, which can mean the difference between life and death."